Russian philharmonic orchestra biography sample
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Fascinated by the music, the conductor, the orchestra and the stage, he told his astonished parents of his determination to become himself a conductor.
Despite the turmoil of war, under horrendous conditions and great personal sacrifice, he graduated the violin class at the Leningrad Conservatory high school in 1950 and was admitted to the Leningrad “Rimsky- Korsakov”
Conservatory’s Symphony Conductors School, in the conducting class of Nikolai Rabinovich, from which he graduated “cum laude” in 1954.
No doubt, his negative attitude towards Scriabin contributed to Arensky’s posthumous reputation. In 1956 Yuri worked as Conductor and Musical Director of the Saratov Symphony Orchestra and simultaneously was invited to lead the orchestral class of the Saratov Music Conservatory, thus becoming the youngest
director of a conductor class, in the USSR at that time.
In the summer of 1957, Yuri was awarded the first prize at the National Youth and Students Festival, conducting the Saratov Conservatory Orchestra.
The Soviet authorities did not allow Yuri Ahronovitch to take with him any of his possessions, personal belongings, and documents.
Soon after his arrival to Israel, he was invited to conduct the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Radio-Symphony- Orchestra of Jerusalem.
Immediate Invitations followed from leading western orchestras among which: Sinfonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Orchestre National de France, The London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The London.
In July 1972, a few months after his arrival to Israel, he met in Jerusalem, the young Israeli literature student, Tami Sakson, who became his inseparable partner, wife, and friend, sharing his life until his death on October 31st, 2002.
In 1975 he was appointed Principal Conductor of The Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra (Kölner Gurzenich – Orchester), a position he held until 1986.
His mastery spanned on a wide range of compositions from Baroque until the late 20 Century composers.
He withstood the pressures of the international mainstream and was always a conductor for whom the musical work and its composer ranked first. He became colleagues with the famed Tchaikovsky in the fields of harmony and composition, and Tchaikovsky became an important mentor.
He compared with great care and detail the original scores with later editions, to assure that its integrity was maintained and that the composer was not “illegally” compromised or shortchanged, celebrating the composer’s legacy.
His teacher, Nathan Rachlin, once said to him: “Obviously you were born in the early morning hours of the day, because in the evening you already conducted your first concert.”.
As the destiny of many artists before him, Yuri Ahronovitch, one of the most prominent artistic figures in the Soviet music world became a “nonperson” for the Soviet Union.
This is the reason why only a fraction of his musical life in the Soviet Union, during those 17 years, could have been reconstructed.
Unfortunately, many concerts, orchestra tours, records, Radio- TV recordings, and Operas have been intentionally destroyed.
The research of those years continues.
Music can affect this because music always was, is, and will be what binds.
As a traveling ambassador of Russian culture and music, the orchestra connects with global audiences, gaining acclaim for its skill and cultural contributions.
Each tour brings unique opportunities for collaboration with local musicians, often including participation in prestigious international music festivals. In August 1 957, conducting the same ensemble, he was awarded with the Honors Diploma at the Sixth World Youth and Students Festival in Moscow.
During the years 1957-1964 Yuri Ahronovitch served as Chief Conductor and Musical Director of the Yaroslavl Philharmonic Orchestra, thus transforming the Orchestra into a high-class ensemble, which drew world-renowned soloists like Leonid Kogan, Emil Gilels, Maria Yudina, and Vladimir Sofronitski.
Already in Yaroslavl, he started an extensive activity, to promote the compositions of modern Soviet composers like Tichon Khrenikow, Aram Khachaturian, Rodion Shedrin, and many more.
During the 1962/63 season, Yuri Ahronovitch made his debut with the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, with Emil Gilels as the soloist.
He had distinguished collections of old films, watches, pipes, and a vast library, with a special preference for books about music, history, biographies, and classical masterpieces. The conductor’s baton does not sound alone, what sounds is the orchestra. These programs are crucial in nurturing the next generation of musicians.
These tours are more than just musical showcases—they are significant cultural exchanges that promote Russian art and foster bilateral understanding. He adored driving his cars and motorcycles on long-distance trips in Russia, as well as in the west.
On October 3 1, 2002 the musical world lost in Yuri Ahronovitch a conductor whose passion and mastery was grounded in the interpretation of romantic musical works, which embodied for him the human soul.
Visiting West-Berlin on that occasion, concerned that he might not be allowed to ever again meet his mother in Leningrad, and thus subjecting her to retaliation, he did not take the chance of staying in the West.
On March 2, 1972, Yuri Ahronovitch emigrated to Israel. In 1982, he appointed Principal Conductor of the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra, Stockholm.
He graduated with a Gold Medal in piano and composition in 1882. His vast varied repertory included numerous world premieres and works of contemporary international composers.
In 1984 he became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, and in 1987 the Swedish King bestowed upon him the highest Swedish honor, the Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star”.
Accused of lacking a distinctive personal style, Rimsky-Korsakov famously said, “in his youth Arensky did not escape some influence from me; later the influence came from Tchaikovsky. Furthermore, in 1991 he was honored with the “Arca d’Oro” prize by the leading Italian newspaper “La Stampa ” in cooperation with the University of Turin.
Besides working as Principal Conductor during these years, Yuri Ahronovitch traveled the world, conducting many of the world’s most distinguished orchestras.